I woke up in the afternoon and saw a voice message from my dad.
“Eric? His family’s pushing him to get married, but he’s stubborn. You two can give it a try. But let me make it clear first–if he doesn’t want it in the end, I can’t force him.”
Then he sent me the restaurant address. “6 p.m. tonight. Don’t be late.”
I got ready and headed over.
a
Eric was already in the private room, wearing a fitted white shirt. His posture was perfect.
When I walked in, he gave me a nod.
His black eyes were calm, cold, and unreadable.
Nothing like Lucas at all.
I sat down, took the menu from the waiter, and smiled as I made small talk. “Heard a lot about you, Mr. Jacobson. Any food restrictions?”
“My brother likes you,” Eric said calmly, crossing his legs…
I paused for a moment, meeting his sharp gaze.
“Oh yeah?” I smiled. “I’m not so sure. Children’s love comes and goes quickly.”
He tapped the table lightly. “If I remember right, you’re pretty close with Lucas and the others?”
Eric’s voice was icy, and the way he said it felt suffocating like he was interrogating me.
Was he treating me like I was his employee?
I closed the menu, my smile fading a little. “Does that have anything to do with why we’re here today?”
The room went quiet for a few seconds.
“No,” he finally said, handing the menu to the waiter. “The usual.”
I picked a few dishes at random, then got up and said to Eric, “Excuse me,”
***
I was still irritated on my way back from the restroom that I didn’t even realize someone had grabbed me.
“Andy?” I stared at him in shock.
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He lowered his eyes and looked down at me. “What are you doing here?”
“Just something I had to deal with,” I said vaguely.
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“This place isn’t for parties or events. Who are you having dinner with?” His slender fingers grabbed my wrist tightly.
I paused.
Even if things with Eric weren’t going anywhere, that didn’t mean I’d let this turn into another ruined blind date like before.
Then I heard a familiar voice, followed by a girl’s playful giggle, and my expression instantly darkened.
I quickly pulled Andy into an empty private room nearby.
In the dark, every breath felt louder, more noticeable.
“Afraid of running into Lucas?” he asked.
“No,” I whispered. “But if they see us together, it’ll be hard to explain. And what if that girl you like sees us?”
His breathing suddenly grew heavier.
I sighed. “What are you guys doing here anyway? When are you leaving?”
Then it hit me.
It was someone’s birthday.
Andy ignored my question. “It’s quiet now. They must’ve gone into the room.”
I listened for a moment, and sure enough, it was silent.
I opened the door and headed back. “You should go join them. Don’t make them wait too long.”
But just as I was about to push open the door, I noticed Andy was still trailing behind me.
I was puzzled.
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Seriously? Are you stalking me now?”
Right after, I heard playful voices coming from the room.
Lucas chuckled. “Talia, let me introduce you. This is my brother, Eric Jacobson. I’m being generous and letting you call him by his given name.”
The girl responded in a soft, cutesy tone, “Nice to meet you, Eric.”
Eric replied coolly, “You too.”
“What brings you here, Eric? Having dinner with a girl? Is she my future sister–in–law?”
Everyone laughed after Lucas’s joke.
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Then Hugo chimed in, “Where’s Andy? Did he go to the private room we booked?”
Lucas’s voice was getting closer. “All right, I’ll go grab him and ask him to toast my brother.”
I froze as his footsteps neared. I quickly turned to slip away.
But it was too late.
All I could do was watch as the door opened, and bright light flooded out from the room.
Everything went quiet.
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Chapter 6
Chapter 6
